SOC 19-2011
Astronomers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ27/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ1,560
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$132K
$71K โ $192K
Projected Growth
๐+2.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค72/100
High exposure
๐ก Astronomers face a risk score of 27/100 โ 17 points below the national average of 44. With 72/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $132K ($86K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of just 27/100, Astronomers is well-positioned against AI automation. Core responsibilities like interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise and collaborative scientific discourse and peer review rely heavily on human judgment and interpersonal skills that AI cannot easily replicate. The 1,560 Americans in this role can expect continued demand, though they should still stay informed about AI tools that can enhance their productivity.
Will AI Replace Astronomers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated laboratory instrumentation and workflows
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
Machine learning models replacing manual hypothesis testing
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
๐ป Technology Skills
Development environment software
Analytical or scientific software
Data base management system software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Object or component oriented development software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Physics
Mathematics
Computers and Electronics
English Language
Education and Training
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 53% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 79% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 82% |